10 ways to avoid being an interior design clone

As we try to emulate the chic spaces that flood the internet and our social media feeds it's easy to fall into the trap of simply straight-out copying other people's ideas and designs.

To avoid becoming just another interiors clone, here's some easy and effective ways to personalise your space and separate yourself from the Pinterest-loving pack.

1. Update a family heirloom

It could be as simple as reupholstering a dated armchair with a fun print that better reflects your style, or distressing a scuffed vintage vanity for a more laidback country feel.

2. Add some DIY flare

A homemade feature, if executed properly, can instantly boost a space's personality. Whether it's creating a chic display wall featuring your little one's artworks, crocheting your own cushion covers or whipping up a homemade milk stool, you can add some colour to a blank canvas, as well as teach yourself a new skill.

3. Add wallpaper

Wallpaper can be used to make a bold statement without overpowering a room. You could consider going for a single patterned feature wall while keeping the rest of the room a neutral colour, or match your wallpaper pattern to a favourite piece of furniture that you want to highlight.

4. Give the room a theme

The key to pulling off a themed space without becoming tacky is restraint, taking elements of a theme and weaving it into an existing space. For example, if you're looking to do a beach house theme, you may feature a surfboard, light wood and a marine colour palette

6. Add a piece of statement furniture

Setting your room apart from the rest could be as simple as investing in a striking coffee table, lamp or accent chair to really lift the space (check out some affordable statement chairs that aren't just designer rip-offs).

7. Tailor the space to your lifestyle

Do you love nothing more than a good lounge and evening TV sesh? Make the lounge your centrepiece, with an emphasis on comfort. Are you a natural entertainer? Ensure there's enough seating and open-plan space to accommodate your endless roster of soirees. Likewise, it you're an artistic person, surround yourself with your creations and things that inspire you. This is not only extremely practical, but will inject a lot of personality into your space.

8. Add a bookshelf

Nothing adds warmth and wow-factor quite like the addition of a bookshelf (or multiple bookshelves!). Not only does it look great, but it also exhibits your interests and makes for a great conversation starter when guests drop in.

9. Photographs

This may be an obvious one, but nothing screams "you" like putting your most cherished memories on show. However, just because it's an old trick, doesn't mean you can't think outside the box in terms of how you display your photographs. Do you prefer your pictures well-ordered and framed, or are you after more of a loose print kind of vibe? Do you have enough room to play with scale or arrange a group of photographs into a geometric shape or organic array? The options are endless.

10. Accessorise with your favourite blooms

Fresh flowers can immediately lift a room, adding a burst of colour and whimsy to neutral décor. If you don't have a favourite flower you can always match it to the theme or style of the room, for example, rustic décor will pair perfectly with natives.